davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Arkansaw traveler., 1887-10-01
grStsea for ne .arkasssasF 7suteirr,
 DIR. JAMES M. FORD,
A Successful Operator in Kansas City
 Real Estate,
Talks About the Giant city's Future.
BY rnoNAs F. eRAseY.

Another man whose brains and en- ergy and faith have done great things for Kansas City, is Dr, James NJ. Ford. and the publication of his views at this particular time Is sure to do good service in the cause of truth.
 But first wonl as to his person. ality. He is a native of Wabash, Ind, and after graduating at the University of Michigan, practiced medicine a short time in his native town. In 1878 he came to the state of Kansas, engaging in mercaptile pursuits In Anderson county. where he soon he- came convinced that Kansas City was destined to become the commercial metropolis of the great southwest, In '76 he came here to live, ran drug store for n while, and then launched into real estate. His first important deal was the acquisition, in connec tion with others, of the tract where "Rivcrview," now part of Kansas City, Kan, has since been built. This investment netted over ,ooo per cent. He built the bridge across the "kaw" river. now used by the elevated rail- road. Afterwards he bought the old Gillis farm and homestead. which was then outside the citv's limits and un- improved. It Is now a thiekly built up portion of the city Another wise purchase was eighty-fivc feet ot ground At the corner of Seventh and Wyandotte streets. for S2o 900. which he sold four years later for Sl23,ooo. He was one oi the original purchasers of the tract where the Exposition building now stands, likewise of the Nick inncy Heights" addition, and he is to-day one of the owners of "Bcecher Heights which Is fast be- coming a most fashionable residential quarter: and he was ono of the men who purchased and donated the ground on Wyandotte street where the million dollar board of trade is being built. In fact, he has been for some years one of the large property owners of Kansas City, one who has ever been foremost in every public spirited movement. He has not only got rich himself, but has made all hls family comparatively rich since he came here.
 VIEWS ON KANSAS CITY VALUES. asked Dr. Ford what his views were as 10 the actual value of "inside" lots that Is to say, lots in the business center
 "1 think l can satisfy any rcasona-
The Arkansaw traveler., 1887-10-01

went to New Orleans, where he was when the war broke out. Though but sixteen years old, he joined the fa- nous Washington artillery-a battal- ion that covered itself with undying glory on hundred hard-fought bat tlefields. Young Harris was the baby of the battalion, but he was soldier, every inch of him, none the less, and stood by the guns like any veteran in the memorable battles at Bull Run, on the 18th and 2Ist of July, 1861. And I have heard his comrades say that there was no cooler head in that first fierce battle of the war-than this boy soldiers. He stood fire during the "Seven Days" battles in front of Richmond, in the Rappahannock en- agreements against Pope, the second battle of Manassas, Antietam tor Sharpsburg, as the Confederates call iD, at Fredericksburg and the siege of Petersburg. In fact, he was fight ing soldier all through the war, from start to finish; for time, if. 1 mistake not, having commanded a cavalry com- pany.
 After the surrender he went to Eu- rope, where he spent ten years, being for the most engaged in mercan- tile pursuits in London. Upon returning to this country he came west and engaged in rail- road building, being associated with some of the best known men in that line of work, and finally, about four years ago, picked out Kansas City for a lifetime home.
 Endowed as he was with rare per captive faculties he was not slow to see that this was pre-eminently the city of opportunities, and being by reason of his commercial training a quick discerner of intrinsic values, he saw in Kansas City real estate a field for fortune. While others were doing the Micdw6er waiting for some- thing or other to turn up-Captain Harris grasped every opportunity that came his way and made opportu- mites when they did not come. The consequence was that he marched right straight up the steps of the tenn pie of success, and to-day occupies an eminence that makes his example one to be followed by the bravest, brainiest men ill christendom. Not that every man can win as he has
The Arkansaw traveler., 1887-10-01

with extraordinary zeal in efiecting the organization, his associates simply gave honor to whom honor was due when they unanimously chose him as president of the exposition-an honor that he will wear with manly dignity, trust that he will discharge with conscientious fidelity
 About a year ago Captain Harris and MT. W. :. Wilson pooled issues in the real estate business, forming the firm of T. A. Harris < Wilson, who as I have stated in former communica- tion to THE TRAVELLER, stand in the front rank of responsible operators in Kansas City realty. Mir. Wilson is a kentuckian whose career in Kansas City has been scarcely less extraordin- ary than that of Captain Harris. No investor ever comes to Kansas City without making the acquaintance of this firm, who have been singularly fortunate in directing their customers to profitable investments in fact, it is matter of record that no customer of theirs ever lost a dollar in investment made by their advice, for Harris judgment it may be intuition-is better than any mascot. Whatever may be the cause of it, the fact remains that every thing he touches prospers. It was a fortunate day for Kansas City when he came, and it is still more fortunate that he is here to stay. And yet he owes more to Kansas City than Kan sas City owes to him; for nowhere else on the face of the earth could he have found so fruitful field for the employment of his faculties.
 Aside from alis business qualities, Captain Harris is man of pleasing manners, true to his friends, sincere, unostentatious, and on occasion charming companion and conversa- tionalist.
 believe this is the first time he has been made the subject of a special art icle, but 1t is only question of n few years when his name will be as famil- far to the public as any in the west.
The Arkansaw traveler., 1887-10-01
The Judgment Of Children. Huntas yehsH,I Timss,

A chlld's penetration Is kcener, and a child's judgment is fairer, than most parents imagine. II Is true that child's knowledge K limited, and therefore can k easily turned aside from inquiry into fl rcalm Of facts with which h. l. quite tt.aeq.,sintssi. lint when it comes to the discerning of spirit and character, or to the testing of reasons for or against given course of action, 4 child is less likely to be deceived than person whose percep- tions have been blunted through mis- using. Parents are continually being judged by their children and tbsse judgments are likely io abide through life. In ordinary social life, coDven- tionsl ways may impose on men and women of the world but such ways do not deceive God or the children. There arc two places where parents are measured at their True worth---ihe closet and the nursery.
The Arkansaw traveler., 1887-10-01

won; for few possess the qualities with which he is endowed, but the opportunities at Kansas City are just as rich and numerous as they were four years ago.
 Captain Harris, so l am informed by those who have watched his career most closely, has never made an error of judgment or allowed one of his plans to miscarry. In fact he is singu- larly endowed with accuracy of judg- ment and executive ability. His plans are always cl ar-cut and well defined, and when once formulated their execu- ton is a certainty, for he anticipates and provides against all untoward emergencies. A mind clear, methodi- cal, comprehensive and decisive; an energy that knows no haltiDg, and will that never weakens, mark the out lines of this ex xtraordinary man. These qualities, coupled with thoroughly business habits, make it only a ques- ton of few years when he will be powerful factor not only in the indus trial development of Kansas City but of the entire southwest.
 So soon as he became the chief execu- tive officer of the exposition the assur- ance of it's usefulness was thereby made doubly sure. In fact, it is doubt ful whether that great enterprise would ever have fully materialized had it not been for T. A. Harris: for, when the individual who inaugurated it had carried it to the limit of his private means, disastrous shut down for time seemed imminent. Forum ately, however, he laid the situation before the firm of T. H. Harris < Wil- son, and they proceeded to put on foot the movement that resulted in the formation ofa corporation with paid up capital of two hundred thousand dollars, composed of the leading citi- zens of the city. that came to the res cue. Had the matter been managed with less prOmptness and vigor the chances are that the work would have been delayed till too late in the season for the exposition to accomplish the 1 splendid results that are now on the eve of being realized to a degree that six months ago was scarcely dreame of as possible.
 1 Recognizing Captain Harris fitness for such a position, requiring as it does great executive ability, and sp- preciating the fact that he had worked
The Arkansaw traveler., 1887-10-01
Written for The ArkaR&aE Trdreter.
 TWILIGHT.
BY LUTHER c. RIGGS.

When fades the drowsy, dreamy day When steals the sun through clouds away, And Oer the rocks and streams and wood The gaunt, gray shadows sulk and brood; Or when soft shimmerings thrill the wave, And OCT old ocean phant0ms shadows creep; When quick retires the whirlwind to it's cave, Sweeping the quivering surface of the deep; When the pole crescent beams with liquid
 light,
 And the wild furies of the tempest sleep; When Silence rides upon weird wings of Night And lowering sea-birds solemn stiffness
 keep With wistful eye view the broad expanse- The sad moon beaming down so mildly
 bright,
 Gliding the green waves with glossy light It's beams in streams supremely sportive
 dance; Or when Nights shade comes slowly creeping
 on.
 And dullest glooms impurple the wide west And meadow birds in eddying circles come Adown Heavens aisle, each to it's grassy
 nest; steaithy and still, with soft and soundless
 feet,
 The breat Unless shadows, damp and dull and
 dread, Der mount and moor. OCT hill and valley And shroud in sable garb the woods and
 mead. 0, tender, deat tn .presaging, twilight shade! My soul stands quiy mid the waves of
 life. l tire of rude and rough in things that fade The bitter wrongs-the vexing scenes of long to drift into more placid seas. Where weary souls may rest in blissful ease.
The Arkansaw traveler., 1887-10-01

ble man," said he, "that inside prop. erty here is selling tor less than half of what it will bring within five years. The present average price ot land in the heart of the city is from sJ00 to &2,000 per front foot. Now, Kansas City is the tenth commercial city in the Union, and before the year ends she will be the ninth. Her pres ent commerce insures o0.0o0 people hold :!:esH. !n o:.;cT words, taking other cities as a gauge, that number of people can be protitably sustained in Kansas City, even though her com merce does not increase another dol lars worth. But, as matter of fact and figures, our trade is growing fifty per cent year, as the clearing house statements show.
 At far less rate of increase" Dr. Ford continued, "the census of of 1890, thirteen years from now, will show a population here of half il million, which is very conservative estimate. By that time predict that the clear hhkN WoAIh PtUEC titt V SOiDHhEFGsal importance, will stand in the follow ing order: New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, Kansas City"
 ''How about St. LouisI"
 ''sbe will then drop from fifth place down :o eighth. iH other words, si.e will about swap places with Kansas City. But to resume the argument :: Grant that Kansas City will only grow up to the point her present com merce justifies, and 1t stands 10 reason that property is still going dirt cheap here. Take Baltimore, San Francisco, Cincinnati, St. Louis and Pittsburg, and inside property here can be bought for about half the average Of present ruling prices in those i've cities, and all of them will be passed by 1S90."
The Arkansaw traveler., 1887-10-01

Albert Phenis is widely known ex-journali |, who has succeeded here in all his undertakings. He was for number of years city editor of the Kansas City Times, and might have held any place on it's staff had he so desired. but the opportuni- ties in real estate tempted him 10 switch off from the paths of glory onto the road to wealth.
 II have known Phenis for years" remarked the preset managing editor of the Times, ''and can give you tine points for sketch of him in twenty words. He is clean in thought, word and deed, man of good instincts and sound judgment, who never made a bad break in his life, He is the most widely acquainted and genuinely pop ular young man in Kansas City"
 For some time past he has been, and for that matter Is now, member of the prominent real estate firm of Phenis, Hart x Evans, all three of whom won the confidence of this peo- pie as workers on the staff of the Daily Times. Mr. Hart is model business man. "Hc was the best re- porter that ever struck the town. His fiendish energy and iron gall made him journalistic jewel" So spake the aforesaid managing editor.
 Mir. C. Ralph Evans, the other member of this well-equippcd real es- tate concern. is brilliant cosmopolite who'd be at home in China, Paris, or the South Sea Islands. He was dramatic editor of the Times, when the firm of Phenis, Hart X Evans washed their hands of printers ink to handle ground but the ground that they have handled has been of the very best, and they always have bargain on their list. In fact, it was into one of their "Melrose" lots that my friend, J. Soule Smith. of Kentucky "Fal- con-" of the Louisville Times and Atlanta Constitution), put his savings when he came to look at Kansas City
The Arkansaw traveler., 1887-10-01

wholesale men pull up and come down here, she saw sine WAS beaten and gracefully accepted the situation. Soon St Louis began to patroDize, and then coi0miscraie; but in year or two her paironizing pity gave way to wild alarm. At that time Chicago was batting Kansas City on the lack saying, Go it, good boy, you are my little ally, we'll down 1t Louis to- gether.' But now even Chicago'seyes are green, for she sees that we are robblDg her of her pork and beef packing Industries besides encroachina on northwestern trade that she con sidcrs hers"
 "ABd what do you think will be the effect Of these attacks that rival cities are making on your towny"
 "The effect will be to prove all our claims. This jealousy aud vitupcra- ton at the hands of such cities as Chicago and St. Louis will set peo- pie to thinking snd lead them to in- vcstigate and that Is what we want. People will say, Just think of it, Kansas City has alarmed Chicago The petty spite of St. Louis did us a world Of good, Chicsgo's jealousy will do Us good accordingly. Chicago isn't jealous of St. Joe nor Omaha be- cause they don't interfere with her trade"
 And Louisville!"
 "Ob. Louisville fs but a village. She has had her day and lost her opportu- nity. She sees that the completion of our railway to Birmingham will en- able us to make iDroads on her cot ton-country trade. We will haul coke and iron out Of Alabama ard send back pork and beef, and this ex- change will lead to sales of other mer- ch.ndise."
 Apropos of Alabama, Dr. Ford has large interests there. Being by virtue
The Arkansaw traveler., 1887-10-01

g fortnight er sc ago. "Fslcons" pur- chase settled it-"Melrose" will be the Mob Hill" of the sunfower city.
 MT. Phenis work as secretary of the exposition will in nowise interfere with the operations of the firm of Phenis, Hart < Evans. It is a matter for congratulation to Kansas City that the exposition management have se- cured such a well-poised gentleman for an office whose duties demand a large supply of tact, urbanity and nerve. With T. A. Harris for presi- dent, John W. Ryckman for manager and Albert Phenis for working secre- tary, the Kansas City exposition is bet ter manned" than any similar enter prise have ever known.
The Arkansaw traveler., 1887-10-01

of l.is education a good meialiurgisI he several years ago made a thorough examination of tho Alabama region from Chattanooga to Tuscaloosa. He did not buy at Birmingham but sought out new and nndevcloped fields, the result, ot his Hearel, being u purchase from tho Alabama Grcat Southern Railroad of fifty six square miles close to Fort Payne, together with most of the contiguous iarm- Ing land In the beautiful "Wills Val ley" No great was pnblle confidence In hIs judgment that he had Bo dIfil- enlty in organizing Il company with Il capital ot five millions to develop ihc coke and iron deposits on this tract and build inanu nuihctnring city at Fort Payne. Within ycnr three hundred coke ovens will be iD opera tion there and three Iron furnaces nrc arc assured: and. by the bye, Fort Payne now offers excellent opportu. nitics for investment and will soon bc Ii fine field for men of energy and enterprise. in conclusion 1 will say that Dr. Ford is one of the most ge- nial Rentlcnen of my acquaintance here, fl man of quick perceptions, ub- firing energy and liberal views. Ills judgment IA wonderfully unerrinR. his courage uDfiinchlng, his instincts those of n courteous, constdereic gen 1 tIemnu
The Arkansaw traveler., 1887-10-01

ture's own resources, are to-day the "open sesames" to fortune; and the time may come when our intensely energetic civilization having worn out its vigor, degenerate race of luxu- rists will listen with incredulity to what they will mayhap call the fairy tales of the nineteenth century. And the career of the man, whose achieve ments have suggested this glance into the centuries would, if written out and safely hid away, make most marvellous Aladdin like story for the entertainment of our (then billion or more of native Americans, who, emas- culated by reason of the exhaustion of every field for enterprise, the depart ure of the day of opportunity and the consequent extinction of hope, will be incapable of realizing that such achievements could ever have tran spired save in imagination. Those Thirtieth century Americans will no more believe that fortuneless young man within four years won wealth and influence and distinction, in the early days of this midcontinental mart, with no other aids than his own cour- age, energy and brains, than we now believe in the wealth producing prop critics of Aladdin's wonderful lamp. Of course, Kansas City will then be bigger than Pekin, aId its rise and progress will be part of the country's history but doubt if our descend ants ten centuries hence will be able to bring themselves 10 believe those pages of history that record the rapidity of its growth, which will strike them as being entirely too phenomenal to be true; just as it is to-day difficult thing for people at a distance fully to realize.
 But it is of the remarkable career of T. A. Harris, and not of the misty fu- ture, that started out to speak. He was born in the historic c>unty of Londonderry, Ireland, in 1844, coming of that good Scotch Irish stock that has made it's influence felt wherever the English language is spoken throughout the world. At the age of thirteen years he crossed the ocean and ever since has fought the battle oi life single handed and alone. Imme- diateiy upon arriving in New York he secured employment as ofiice-b boy in s southern cotton-house, then doing business in that city, but ere long he
The Arkansaw traveler., 1887-10-01

Speaking of certain lcalousies lately manifested. the doctor said Il have been an interested observer of the rise and progress and departure of many iealousies. When first came hen il was Atchinson. Eeavenworth and Topeka that were jealous 1t. Joe, nt that time considered herself entirely too big to more than notice kansas City but year or two latcra spasn struck her and lasted some six months, but as she saw her leading
The Arkansaw traveler., 1887-10-01
riaen for The Arkonsaw Trapeler.
Written for The 44rkansaw Trapeier.
 A MODERN ALADDIN. A Man Who Has Won Wealth Distinction and Honors
 Within Four Years.
The President of the National Exposi-
 ton at Kansas City.
BY THOMAS r. GRAsrY.

Aladdin's lamp and magical ring, with which he called up genii almost omnipotent to do his bidding, are having their counterpart in this work-a-day generation in this the most practical of all places, Kansas City. Aladdin was but the form in which the oriental imagination in the days of Haroun-al- Raschid conjured up successful man; but instead of lamps and rings and genii the practi-
 cal use of natural gifts, applied to na-
The Arkansaw traveler., 1887-10-01
Be Sure

To ask for Ayers harsapariiia. f yo'. are in need Of Biood-pgrder - the only certain and fslisbls remedy for ;a..t,.es, b;1teisss. ssd s.. osi'sT sTSi'- tlons of the skln. As an aitsrsliy~,
The Arkansaw traveler., 1887-10-01
Ayers SarsapariIIa,

after trial Of nearly half century, Is universally conceded to be the Lest ever discovered. IL is agreeable to the taste. and. being highly concentrated, oniy small doses are needed.
 An old lady of eighty. Mrs. Mary (. Ames, 0f RoekpoFt. Me.. sise. fe.sss years of suffering from q hnnof in the blood. manifesting itself in ESysipslas and oth- sr distressing eTaptlons on the skin, as last began the use 0f Ayers Bassaparilia, sBd. after taking ten bottles. she is nov. she says, "as smooth and fair ss ever" Frank Jones. scc Eighth ave, Sew York, writes :" suffered from impHrt- ty of the blood, which showed itself in troublesome srapssons and massery pimples on my face, neck. etc. Ayers barsapaFilia effected . complete cure. I had previously tried many rspnted blood-pnriGers without bspsHt." ]"
 Ayers Sarsaparilla, Prepared by Dr. J. c. Aver O.. Lewsfi, Mass. Sod ky sii Drussisss~ fsiss q; ssz ssssiss, eA
The Arkansaw traveler., 1887-10-01

v. x.. =. :s :: Es.ss:,,:' {. .E: Es:,:: :s::s -
The Arkansaw traveler., 1887-10-01
einea for The -frIdnSdH 7rdeeter.
 MIR. ALBERT PHENIS.
Assistant Secretary of the National Ex-
 position at Kansas City.

nY THOMAS r. GRAsTY
The Arkansaw traveler., 1887-10-01

VIEWS ON KANSAS CITf NALtf~. asked Dr. Ford what his views were as to the actual value of "inside" lots; that Is to say, lots in the business center
 1 think can satisfy any reasona-
The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1887-12-28
Money Market.

NEW YORK. December 27-Money, q 5
LATER.
The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1887-12-28
New york stook Exchange

NEW YORK, December. III m =
The stock market opened weak with dc
clines of from Is to q per CEN from Fri
days close. Reactian followed. but al this
hour trading was intense Y dull.
After II O'Clock the market as UNI a
firm tone and prices advanced small fac
tons, Jersey Central beirg marked ex-
ceptlon and gaining IS Per cent. Thu
market finally closed quiet out string, at
about the best prices of the day.
hATER.-Ihe stock mark1twa moder lteiy
active to-day, and strong, after decid, d. y
over opening, coal stocks being an ospecia
feature OF trial. There was some pressure to
sell for london ace Iunt. which made a
weak np ulng; but though tears aud pro-
fessiOu Is puv out some brisk lines, The c
was good buving by the clique ana to m d
eraIe degree by commission houses
The dealings in Read ng were attended
by considerable excitement IN the early
morning; but Lackawanna afterward took
lead and snot up rapidly, carrying the
general list with it. The news of the day
beyond that mentioned, was not of special
i'm porLapce, and had a light effect upon
prices. Among other stocks which became
noticeable for strength were Missouri Pacific
and canada Southern.
The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1887-12-28

Boston, December 27.-Wool, quiet and
nnSPtflf1
The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1887-12-28
COMMERCIAL.

Bdllion
NEW YORK, December 27.-Bar silver,